Robert Lewis Childs, 65, of 702 Nightingale Lane Clifton Forge, died peacefully surrounded by his family.
Robert was born in Clifton Forge on September 18, 1951 to the late William Clarence (Bill) Childs, Sr. and the late Evelyn Gibson Childs. He grew up in both Clifton Forge and Iron Gate. Robert was the proud owner and operator of Childs Auto and Truck Repair and Towing, which he established on December 31, 1974. He took tremendous pride and loved working on automobiles. He said that he enjoyed working so hard because it made his customers happy when he fixed their cars. Robert was not only one of the very best in his trade, he was dedicated to his community. He provided maintenance for local fire and rescue vehicles. Robert was a life member of the Iron Gate Volunteer Fire Department for 47 years, he was also a charter member of Kars Unlimited and enjoyed entering his vehicles and wreckers into Street Scene and local parades each year. Robert's hobbies included: drag racing, tractor pulls, attending tow shows, and he loved cleaning his wreckers and garages and farming with his goats and chickens. He is survived by his devoted wife, Judy Dodd Childs, daughters, Barbara Jean (B.J.) Childs Barber and husband Billy, Amy Lynn Childs Nicely and husband DeWayne, Lisa Childs Ghelfi and husband Chris and Amanda Childs Beheler and husband Tom and also by Stephanie. His grandchildren Jacqualyn, Laurel, Elaysia, Aaron, Kailyn, Aidan, Dalton, Allyson, Anthony, Jack, Hudson, Jasmine and Justin. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters: William Clarence (Junior) Childs, Betty Skelding and husband David, Elizabeth Fury and husband Billy, Ann Brown and husband Rodney, Earl David Childs and wife Shirley, Donald Childs and wife Brenda, Clyde Childs and wife Mary, Christine Perkey and husband Gil and Mary Ruth Harrison. And many good friends, cousins, nephews and nieces. In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday January 7, 2017 at the Iron Gate Baptist Church. The family hopes to be joined for a wonderful time of fellowship and sharing happy memories. The family will receive visits at his home 702 Nightingale Lane Clifton Forge. The family suggests that memorial tributes take the form of donations to the Robert L. Childs Diesel/Auto Mechanic Scholarship Fund c/o First Citizens Bank 540 Main Street Clifton Forge, Va 24422
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